The North Face Recon Backpack vs The North Face Explore Haulaback Backpack

The main difference between the The North Face Recon Backpack and the The North Face Explore Haulaback Backpack is that the Recon Backpack has Hip Belt / Waist Strap (Removable waist belt) while the Explore Haulaback Backpack does not.

The North Face Recon Backpack Front View
The North Face Explore Haulaback Backpack - Front View
Specs Brand The North Face The North Face
Name Recon Backpack Explore Haulaback Backpack
Category Sports Backpacking
Sub Category Running Hiking
Capacity (L) 30L 43.5L
Dimensions (in) 19.25 x 13 x 7 1.5 x 11 x 23.5
Weight (lb) 2 3.34
Fabric Nylon with Non-PFC DWR Finish 900D 100% polyester with non-PFC durable water-repellent finish
Color 20+ colors and patterns Peak Purple/Tnf Black
Warranty The North Face Lifetime Warranty Lifetime
Release Date July 12, 2012
Rating 4.8 5
Price Under $100 Under $100
General Features Shoulder Straps Flexible yoke built from custom injection-molded shoulder straps Padded shoulder straps
Sternum / Chest Straps Sternum strap with whistle buckle Adjustable chest strap
Hip Belt / Waist Strap Removable waist belt
Zippers Nylon zipper with string pulls
Main Compartment Access Normal zipped access Zippered opening at the top and side for easy access
External Pockets 2 zipped front pockets and 2 side pockets
Internal Compartments Laptop compartment
Side Pockets Side pockets can fit water bottle
Water Bottle Yes
Handles Padded top grab handle Four padded webbing handles
Loops and Attachments Extendable front stash pocket with daisy chains and fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses, phone or keys
Business & School Features Laptop Sleeve Dedicated, highly protective laptop compartment Padded
Tablet Sleeve Padded tablet sleeve
Organizer Pocket Front utility pocket with organizer
Travel Features Base / Bottom Dedicated zip bottom
Hiking / Backpacking Features Back Panel Padded mesh back and breathable lumbar panel Padded flat back panel
Reflective Safety Strips 360-degree reflective accents
Gym / Sports Features Laundry Pocket Dedicated zip bottom compartment to keep shoes and dirty laundry separate

You're currently comparing the Recon Backpack by The North Face against the Explore Haulaback Backpack by The North Face.


The North Face 's Recon Backpack is a Sports backpack with Running features while The North Face's Explore Haulaback Backpack is a Backpacking backpack with Hiking features.

The The North Face Recon Backpack has a capacity of 30L (liters), weighs 2 pounds and it's dimensions in inches are 19.25 x 13 x 7. It's made of Nylon with Non-PFC DWR Finish and is available in 20+ colors and patterns in comparison the The North Face Explore Haulaback Backpack's capacity is 43.5L with a size of 1.5 x 11 x 23.5 inches. Constructed from 900D 100% polyester with non-PFC durable water-repellent finish it weighs 3.34 pounds and is available in Peak Purple/Tnf Black.